It’s hard to tell when a cheesecake is done. When the baking time is up, the cake is still wobbly in the middle-but by faith you take it out and hope for the best. A couple of hours later and in spite of your great act of faith, the cake cracks right down the center during the cooling process. Sigh! As the baker who refuses to give up, you proceed to pour one cup of heavy cream into a bowl so that you can whip it into the perfect topping for the not-so-perfect cheesecake. And now you have it: a cheesecake worthy of presenting to dinner guests.

Not giving up is a beautiful thing. How very often I take a deep breath and thank God for hanging in there with me. What a comforting thought to know that when we finally meet Him we’ll be “covered” in His mercy and forgiveness, white as snow, and presentable, regardless of how many times our efforts (to act or do as we should) crack. God never gives up on us or the purpose for which He created us. It’s good. It’s satisfying. It’s the longing we carry in our hearts wrapped in the dream we envision in our minds. We need only to decide to get on board with the God who refuses to turn away from us or throw His hands in the air in frustration. Another crack in this one? That’s O.K. I have grace enough to fill it. Wobbling again? Good. I think I’ll teach them to lean on Me even more.

Cheesecake is the dessert we’re told to reserve for special occasions because it’s full of the stuff we should enjoy sparingly. What a wonderful contrast , then to know we can indulge in every good thing God has for us without the least bit of restraint-and it just doesn’t get any sweeter than that.

I really am enjoying my 2011 wall calendar. The calendar company did a great job of combining beautifully photographed desserts and a great inspirational message. They also included perforated recipe cards for the featured desserts. Bonus!